Beretta bringing back the Cheetah series?

[SouthNarc]

Looks like they’re hinting that on their FB page. I REALLY want a new Model 81 in 32. Can anyone confirm or deny?

[LockedBreech]

Confirmed, but I haven't heard anything about them doing a .32 version. I do really want the bronze-stainless-black 80X, it looks fantastic.

Some good discussion about that here:

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?55770-New-Beretta-80X-Cheetah

Others may have info on possible new ones in .32 but I do not.

[SouthNarc]

Confirmed, but I haven't heard anything about them doing a .32 version. I do really want the bronze-stainless-black 80X, it looks fantastic.

Some good discussion about that here:

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?55770-New-Beretta-80X-Cheetah

Others may have info on possible new ones in .32 but I do not.

Well shit I missed that entire thread.🥴

They’re showing several different models on their FB page.

[Flamingo]

I talked to the designer at SHOT and asked him about a .32. He said it was a definite possibility.

[SouthNarc]

This is one of five they posted

[LockedBreech]

This is one of five they posted

Wait, holy cow. I saw that post last night and the better half and I both talked about how much we wanted the stainless one, but I thought they were just talking about Cheetahs through the years with the new 80X on the end carrying on the legacy.

If we actually get a whole lineup and .32 that would be absolutely fantastic.

[Moped]

This is one of five they posted

This one, I’d be there for!!! Please make it so!!!

[Noah]

If I had to guess, they are showing the history of the Cheetah line to hype up the 80X which I think will be available very soon. I don't think they are re releasing the whole classic line but I could be wrong.

[MattyD380]

If I had to guess, they are showing the history of the Cheetah line to hype up the 80X which I think will be available very soon. I don't think they are re releasing the whole classic line but I could be wrong.

That was my take as well. I wasn’t expecting classic Cheetahs—just the 80Xs.

But I did post a sweet pic of my 85FS on that thread (on FB).

[MattyD380]

Who says you can't have Italian on St. Patrick's Day?

https://www.themosincrate.com/shop-1

He's got decocker 84s (Fs) and non-decocker 84s (BBs) and even a few Browning BDAs (which I think are in .32?). Price seems in line with what I paid for my 85FS, about a month ago.

[TicTacticalTimmy]

I dont have any desire for a classic cheetah, but I would love it if the new 80X came with the humped frame of the gun shown above. That would probably be enough to push me over the edge.

[Half Moon]

Who says you can't have Italian on St. Patrick's Day?

https://www.themosincrate.com/shop-1

He's got decocker 84s (Fs) and non-decocker 84s (BBs) and even a few Browning BDAs (which I think are in .32?). Price seems in line with what I paid for my 85FS, about a month ago.

The BDA's are a Browning labeled .380 variant. The .32 variants would be a Beretta 81 or 82 depending on double stack or single stack.

[MattyD380]

The BDA's are a Browning labeled .380 variant. The .32 variants would be a Beretta 81 or 82 depending on double stack or single stack.

I was skeptical, too. I'd never heard of a BDA380 in anything but... .380. But apparently, they exist--and you can buy one tomorrow.

If you squint, you can sorta see the caliber marking on the barrel hood:

102668

Interestingly, they're still called "BDA380s" even though they're in .32. He talks about it at around 6:45 in the video.

[Half Moon]

I was skeptical, too. I'd never heard of a BDA380 in anything but... .380. But apparently, they exist--and you can buy one tomorrow.

If you squint, you can sorta see the caliber marking on the barrel hood:

102668

Interestingly, they're still called "BDA380s" even though they're in .32. He talks about it at around 6:45 in the video.

Well, heck! 😀 I learned something. I'll have to watch the video after work tonight but a quick Google says FN Herstal made the .32 BDA variant for the European market while the .380 variant was made by Beretta for FN Herstal to market in the US. Wonder how many of the .32's came this way...

[Noah]

I dont have any desire for a classic cheetah, but I would love it if the new 80X came with the humped frame of the gun shown above. That would probably be enough to push me over the edge.


They said it will come with good conversion grips just like the 92X line.

[MattyD380]

Well, heck! 😀 I learned something. I'll have to watch the video after work tonight but a quick Google says FN Herstal made the .32 BDA variant for the European market while the .380 variant was made by Beretta for FN Herstal to market in the US. Wonder how many of the .32's came this way...

Yeah, I don't know what the story is behind it.

With the Beretta versions of the gun, seems like both calibers saw some police service. So... I'd guess it's the same deal with the FN/BDA-branded version. As far as I know, Beretta actually manufactured all the FN/BDA-branded guns--including these .32 cal versions (they're made in Italy).

From what I've gleaned, Leon Hubert at FN (who currently owns RDIH) actually designed the BDA380 back in the 70s. FN outsourced production to Beretta, then, at some point Beretta made their own version, adding an open slide and a frame-mounted safety.

[TicTacticalTimmy]

They said it will come with good conversion grips just like the 92X line.

I tried that on an m9a3, felt like shit compared to my LTT. Granted these were rubber, g10 would likely be much nicer.

Regardless, if im using conversion grips my hand is mostly gripping plastic. At that point why not cut out the middleman and just make the frame out of plastic? The feel would be about the same and they could make the gun cheaper/lighter.

[TheNewbie]

How are double stack .32s vs single stack when it comes to rim lock?


I wish Beretta would make 92 style guns with this decocker setup.

[MattyD380]

I wish Beretta would make 92 style guns with this decocker setup.

Me too. I dig the decocker on the Cheetah.

[LHS]

How are double stack .32s vs single stack when it comes to rim lock?


I wish Beretta would make 92 style guns with this decocker setup.

I've put maybe 1500 rounds through my 81BB and never had an issue with rim lock. That said, I'd avoid using JHPs as the shorter OAL can supposedly induce it.

[LHS]

Looks like they’re hinting that on their FB page. I REALLY want a new Model 81 in 32. Can anyone confirm or deny?

Dude join the chorus of people clamoring for an 80X in .32!

[Joe in PNG]

Or .22lr!

[Noah]

I tried that on an m9a3, felt like shit compared to my LTT. Granted these were rubber, g10 would likely be much nicer.

Regardless, if im using conversion grips my hand is mostly gripping plastic. At that point why not cut out the middleman and just make the frame out of plastic? The feel would be about the same and they could make the gun cheaper/lighter.

There's lots of great G10 conversion grips now for the 92s, and the aggressive textured hard plastic ones for then 92X/M9A4 and presumably the 80X are great.

[UNM1136]

Interest stirring. My last. 32 was a Kel-tec, before they sold to Ruger...my current gun-when-I-don't-think-I-need-a-gun is a 9mm LCR...

But the Mrs. Thinks the fast, snappy recoil impulse irritates the arthritis in her wrists. She prefers my 1911 in .45, but lacks the strength practice or carry it.

This might be her Goldielocks gun...

pat

[oss117]

What is the appeal of .32ACP over .380 in a pistol the size of the Cheetah?

[Moped]

I've put maybe 1500 rounds through my 81BB and never had an issue with rim lock. That said, I'd avoid using JHPs as the shorter OAL can supposedly induce it.

Personally. I wouldn't run JHPs in a .32ACP anyway. They don't expand and they lack penetration. FMJ is the better round. And rim lock is not typically an issue with FMJ. That being said, KELTEC (I believe) sales a steel shim that attaches to the back of the inside of the P32 magazine, that pushes the JHP "forward" in the magazine and minimizes rim lock.


What is the appeal of .32ACP over .380 in a pistol the size of the Cheetah?

Felt recoil. .380 can be very snappy, even in an all steel pistol like the Walther PPK/s or the Beretta Cheetah series. I have a beautiful Walther PPK/s .380 that I hate shooting because of the felt recoil. Even my Cheetah clone is snappier than any of my 9mms.

Actually, I have never understood, why .380s are recommended for elderly and weaker individuals. Generally, the slides are harder to manipulate and due to many of them having a fixed barrel (to the frame), I find recoil to be excessive for the round involved.

I find that my S&W 442, with standard pressure rounds, much more pleasant to shoot.

[TheNewbie]

Me too. I dig the decocker on the Cheetah.

That or make a Cheetah with the 92 decocker. I don’t get why they won’t do this. Well demand, but who cares about making money?!


If I had confidence in the Bersa TP9 or Thunder 9 or whatever it’s called, I would like the Bersa as a larger 9mm companion to an 80x. Similar controls and all.


There is is this guy who does YouTube videos of older guns/out of production gun/less common guns (like the 4506). Maybe he could put the Bersa through the paces. Just wish I knew who that guy was.... ;)

[BillSWPA]

Personally. I wouldn't run JHPs in a .32ACP anyway. They don't expand and they lack penetration. FMJ is the better round. And rim lock is not typically an issue with FMJ. That being said, KELTEC (I believe) sales a steel shim that attaches to the back of the inside of the P32 magazine, that pushes the JHP "forward" in the magazine and minimizes rim lock.



Felt recoil. .380 can be very snappy, even in an all steel pistol like the Walther PPK/s or the Beretta Cheetah series. I have a beautiful Walther PPK/s .380 that I hate shooting because of the felt recoil. Even my Cheetah clone is snappier than any of my 9mms.

Actually, I have never understood, why .380s are recommended for elderly and weaker individuals. Generally, the slides are harder to manipulate and due to many of them having a fixed barrel (to the frame), I find recoil to be excessive for the round involved.

I find that my S&W 442, with standard pressure rounds, much more pleasant to shoot.

I tried the Kel-Tec spacer as well as homemade spacers in my P-32. They both caused premature slide lock.

The best way to avoid rimlock is to load the magazines carefully. Rimlock s seem to occur while the magazine is being loaded. Once all of the cartridges are in the magazine, the same rim interaction which makes rimlock such a nasty jam will prevent it from happening.

[Tamara]

What is the appeal of .32ACP over .380 in a pistol the size of the Cheetah?

The only .380 JHP round worth bothering with is the 90gr GDHP, so most people are going to be shooting ball for adequate penetration.

.32ACP gives every bit as much penetration as .380 in FMJ form, is easier to shoot, and you get more rounds in the mag. There’s not a single .380 pistol that wouldn’t be better in .32ACP.

It’s literally like someone took the “9mm vs. .40” argument and left it in the dryer too long.

[BillSWPA]

Interest stirring. My last. 32 was a Kel-tec, before they sold to Ruger...my current gun-when-I-don't-think-I-need-a-gun is a 9mm LCR...

But the Mrs. Thinks the fast, snappy recoil impulse irritates the arthritis in her wrists. She prefers my 1911 in .45, but lacks the strength practice or carry it.

This might be her Goldielocks gun...

pat

Has she tried a S&W .380 EZ?

[frozentundra]

The only .380 JHP round worth bothering with is the 90gr GDHP, so most people are going to be shooting ball for adequate penetration.

.32ACP gives every bit as much penetration as .380 in FMJ form, is easier to shoot, and you get more rounds in the mag. There’s not a single .380 pistol that wouldn’t be better in .32ACP.

It’s literally like someone took the “9mm vs. .40” argument and left it in the dryer too long.

I'm having pizza and diet soda for lunch. I read this and -with an amused snort- was rewarded with diet soda up my nose. Well played.

[MattyD380]

That or make a Cheetah with the 92 decocker. I don’t get why they won’t do this. Well demand, but who cares about making money?!


If I had confidence in the Bersa TP9 or Thunder 9 or whatever it’s called, I would like the Bersa as a larger 9mm companion to an 80x. Similar controls and all.


There is is this guy who does YouTube videos of older guns/out of production gun/less common guns (like the 4506). Maybe he could put the Bersa through the paces. Just wish I knew who that guy was.... ;)

Haha.

I actually had a Bersa TPR9c for about a month, last year.

I bought it because it's a rough facsimile of the P88 platform... and it was, like, $240 at my local Sportsman's Warehouse.

102699102700

The Good:
-It felt good in the hand
-It's very small--similar in size to a P2000SK, but better ergos in my opinion
-The decocker felt and worked great
-The levers were nicely contoured and not pokey
-It was reliable in a box or two of ammo
-While not finely finished, it seemed well made
-No real complaints about the trigger in SA or DA

The Bad:
-The trigger pinched the shit out of my finger
-It's one of the few guns I've had where I genuinely felt it just wasn't accurate--like, it literally was the gun, and not me. Or maybe the sights were loose? I dunno...
-The recoil was a bitch--legit made my hand bleed
-It wasn't excessively thick, but it wasn't exactly thin either

Net Takeaway: Nah. I'm good.

Sold it off.

I was hoping I'd like the platform--Bersa has an entire line of metal, DA/SA guns that are still in production. But, based on that experience, I'm not sure I'd try another one. That said, maybe the full-size TPR9 is a lot better? Though I can't say I'm in any rush to find out.

[Gun Mutt]

Who says you can't have Italian on St. Patrick's Day?

https://www.themosincrate.com/shop-1

He's got decocker 84s (Fs) and non-decocker 84s (BBs) and even a few Browning BDAs (which I think are in .32?). Price seems in line with what I paid for my 85FS, about a month ago.

Damn...waited too late in the day to get in some P-F...everything's marked SOLD OUT.

[MattyD380]

Damn...waited too late in the day to get in some P-F...everything's marked SOLD OUT.

Yeah, everything he lists usually goes within an hour or so of when he lists it--and it's not like he's giving the things away, either.

I feel like I'm in the wrong business...

[Gun Mutt]

Yeah well, it's not like I needed a .32 Cheetah, but still...

[LHS]

The only .380 JHP round worth bothering with is the 90gr GDHP, so most people are going to be shooting ball for adequate penetration.

.32ACP gives every bit as much penetration as .380 in FMJ form, is easier to shoot, and you get more rounds in the mag. There’s not a single .380 pistol that wouldn’t be better in .32ACP.

It’s literally like someone took the “9mm vs. .40” argument and left it in the dryer too long.

I've heard good things about the Critical Defense loading in .380 as well, but overall you're correct as usual.

[TheNewbie]

Interest stirring. My last. 32 was a Kel-tec, before they sold to Ruger...my current gun-when-I-don't-think-I-need-a-gun is a 9mm LCR...

But the Mrs. Thinks the fast, snappy recoil impulse irritates the arthritis in her wrists. She prefers my 1911 in .45, but lacks the strength practice or carry it.

This might be her Goldielocks gun...

pat


Kel Tec sold to Ruger?

[MattyD380]

Kel Tec sold to Ruger?

Maybe “sold out”?

I mean, the LCP is more or less a P3AT. I think.

[Noah]

The only .380 JHP round worth bothering with is the 90gr GDHP, so most people are going to be shooting ball for adequate penetration.

.32ACP gives every bit as much penetration as .380 in FMJ form, is easier to shoot, and you get more rounds in the mag. There’s not a single .380 pistol that wouldn’t be better in .32ACP.

It’s literally like someone took the “9mm vs. .40” argument and left it in the dryer too long.

This. All .380s should be .32s and all sub 20 ounce .38s should also be .32s.

[Tamara]

Maybe “sold out”?

I mean, the LCP is more or less a P3AT. I think.

Little Copycat Pistol

[Moped]

This. All .380s should be .32s and all sub 20 ounce .38s should also be .32s.

I agree with the first statement, but not the second one. My 442 is very shootable. However, I think revolver manufacturers should make a concerted effort to make and keep .32s (.32S&W/.32H&R/.32FED) in stock. Seems like the big four, have models, but you never see them anywhere.

[Tamara]

I agree with the first statement, but not the second one. My 442 is very shootable. However, I think revolver manufacturers should make a concerted effort to make and keep .32s (.32S&W/.32H&R/.32FED) in stock. Seems like the big four, have models, but you never see them anywhere.

I mean, the 442’s a fine little blaster, but I don’t regret dumping mine once I got a 432.

[Moped]

I mean, the 442’s a fine little blaster, but I don’t regret dumping mine once I got a 432.

Honestly, didn't think much of the 442, when I bought it. Just another J-Frame, but when I shot it during a couple of range sessions, I found that it shot very well for me. I must admit that I haven't shot a .32 S&W J-Frame in several decades, but it also shot very well. But since they seem all but unobtainable or too damned expensive, I've settled on the .38. But I still look for them on GB, here in the state of Tennessee.

Tell me what you like about the 432?

[Tamara]

I must admit that I haven't shot a .32 S&W J-Frame in several decades, but it also shot very well. But since they seem all but unobtainable or too damned expensive…

That’s because Darryl, Chuck, and Claude have bought them all. I was lucky to snag one when I did! :D

[Glenn E. Meyer]

When I got my 432, it seems there was a dump of them. The San Antonio Saxet gun show had a few tables with them for $305. Wish I had bought more than one. Later the local Cabelas had SW 632 SS 3 inch comped, hammered guns. Bought one of those. That's my ultimate revolver! Have it stashed with a couple of speed loaders and some Buffalo Bore hard cast guaranteed to kill dinosaur 327 mag rounds, if we could ever carry in the parks again.

I still have a 642 with a CT laser grip. It's a nice pocket gun. Goes to the mail box. Never know, yesterday two big fat geese were just walking down the middle of the road. Might be evil?

[TheNewbie]

I actually like my P32. Mine was purchased used and it had a few issues. Nothing that would stop it from firing all but the last round of the first mag but still. :p


Sent it to Kel Tec, purchased a label from them for $25. They fixed it and sent it back, and it works fine now, though I haven’t put a ton of rounds through it. My standards are pretty low for a gun like this. If I can make it through a magazine, or two, without issue, that’s all I ask of it.


Having a the as a back up to Cheetah 32 would be pretty neat.


How many rounds could one fit into a reliable .32 double stack magazine? The old .32 cheetahs held one less round than the .380, I think.


Tamara

What are your thoughts on “rim lock” in a .32 double stack gun?

I’m not too concerned by in my P32.


The P32 is fun to shoot, my LCP, not really.

[Rodmaker]

A few years ago, a bunch of Beretta 81' surplus Italian prison gaurd guns were being sold by several importers for roughly 200 bucks each. I bought three of them. Wish I had bought a few more . The last one was a BB model. My wife called dibs on two of them, one is hidden in her car and the other hidden in her closet. The BB is in my get home bag with a few spare mags and extra ammo. Aside from the get home bag use, I carry it one day a week on Thirty-twosday. I also find it usefull to teach new shooters due it being accurate and very soft shooting. My grandson put a dent in my .32 ammo can just a few hours ago.

Someone asked about rim lock. I haven't had any issue with it yet but I'm still not convinced that is NOT a real likelyhood. I have run a couple hundred cast flatnose bullets thru mine so far but i am super careful loading the mags as I think that is the most likely cause of rim lock. This is the same bullet that Buffalo Bore uses in thier .32acp load. 75 grain. The loaded rounds are noticably shorter than ball.

[Velo Dog]

This older thread from Outpost75 is worth rereading

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?48184-Bottom-Feeding-32-Popguns

[WDR]

I actually like my P32. Mine was purchased used and it had a few issues. Nothing that would stop it from firing all but the last round of the first mag but still. :p


Sent it to Kel Tec, purchased a label from them for $25. They fixed it and sent it back, and it works fine now, though I haven’t put a ton of rounds through it. My standards are pretty low for a gun like this. If I can make it through a magazine, or two, without issue, that’s all I ask of it.


Having a the as a back up to Cheetah 32 would be pretty neat.


How many rounds could one fit into a reliable .32 double stack magazine? The old .32 cheetahs held one less round than the .380, I think.


Tamara

What are your thoughts on “rim lock” in a .32 double stack gun?

I’m not too concerned by in my P32.


The P32 is fun to shoot, my LCP, not really.

I'm not Tamara, but she once mentioned to me that .380 and .32 both share the same rim diameter, when "hi-cap" .32 mags were talked about. So theoretical capacity should be the same/similar. I can only think of one double stack .32 pistol offhand, the CZ 83. Not sure if they had any issues with rim lock in those... always wanted one, but never did find one locally.

When I had my P-32's (long gone now) I only carried euro-made 73gr FMJ Fiocchi in it, to avoid rimlock. I shot and carried the 60gr Gold Dot load for a short while, before I learned about rim lock. I never experienced it, but supposedly any bullet profile that had a short OAL could, in theory, induce rim-lock during the firing cycle (or rough handling), including flat nose cast or FMJ loads. Round nose FMJ filled the magazines enough, front to back, that it was almost impossible for rims to jump.

The P-32's are indeed easy and fun to shoot. I put several thousand rounds through two different guns. I sent my last one down the road with all my .32 ACP reloading supplies a while ago. While I don't exactly regret it, I sometimes wish I still had a P-32, and wish I could luck into an 83 and some mags for a reasonable price.

A new Beretta in .32 with something like 13-15rd capacity would somewhat interest me. Of course, I'd do something dumb like stick an RMR on the top of it.

ETA: .32 ACP Best ACP! :cool:

[WDR]

Little Copycat Pistol

I laughed, but Ruger did actually improve on them a little. At least on paper. The LCP II's more specifically. But... I also have only shot Kel-Tec's versions (.380, .32) and never a Ruger copy.

I will admit that an LCP II .22, with a $70 threaded barrel kit from CDNN intrigues me as a host for a suppressor. Just for shits and giggles I may buy one eventually.

[LHS]

A few years ago, a bunch of Beretta 81' surplus Italian prison gaurd guns were being sold by several importers for roughly 200 bucks each. I bought three of them. Wish I had bought a few more . The last one was a BB model. My wife called dibs on two of them, one is hidden in her car and the other hidden in her closet. The BB is in my get home bag with a few spare mags and extra ammo. Aside from the get home bag use, I carry it one day a week on Thirty-twosday. I also find it usefull to teach new shooters due it being accurate and very soft shooting. My grandson put a dent in my .32 ammo can just a few hours ago.

Someone asked about rim lock. I haven't had any issue with it yet but I'm still not convinced that is NOT a real likelyhood. I have run a couple hundred cast flatnose bullets thru mine so far but i am super careful loading the mags as I think that is the most likely cause of rim lock. This is the same bullet that Buffalo Bore uses in thier .32acp load. 75 grain. The loaded rounds are noticably shorter than ball.

I bought a few of those, a great deal on great guns.

[Dorsai]

I have a Walther PP in .32acp, or as per the slide markings, 7.65mm. It feels good in the hand, very light recoil and a good SA trigger, horrible DA. I've got an 85BB with the thin grips and it's a great gun. I'd love to have an 81.

[Tamara]

What are your thoughts on “rim lock” in a .32 double stack gun?

I’m not too concerned by in my P32.


The P32 is fun to shoot, my LCP, not really.

I think it’s more of a theoretical worry than a real problem. I’ve never had it occur with FMJ in my Beretta or Skorpion.

And I’d climb over a pile of LCPs and P3ATs for a P32.

[LHS]

I was skeptical, too. I'd never heard of a BDA380 in anything but... .380. But apparently, they exist--and you can buy one tomorrow.

If you squint, you can sorta see the caliber marking on the barrel hood:

102668

Interestingly, they're still called "BDA380s" even though they're in .32. He talks about it at around 6:45 in the video.

Dammit.... Part of me is glad I didn't notice that until now, because I'd have bought a couple.